Absorbent towel with projections

ABSTRACT

A towel ( 10 ) includes a base layer ( 12 ) and a plurality of raised projections ( 14 ) that project away from the base layer ( 12 ). The base layer ( 12 ) has a first side ( 16 ) and a second side ( 18 ). In one embodiment, the projections ( 14 ) are discontinuously positioned and are each separately secured to one or both of the sides ( 16, 18 ) of the base layer ( 12 ). In one embodiment, the projections ( 14 ) have a higher coefficient of static friction than the base layer ( 12 ) relative to a surface ( 20 ). The base layer ( 12 ) can be formed from an absorbent material and the projections ( 14 ) can be formed from a relatively non-absorbent material. In one embodiment, the projections ( 14 ) cover less than approximately 50 percent of one of the sides ( 16, 18 ) of the base layer ( 12 ). Moreover, in one embodiment, the projections ( 14 ) can be substantially hemispherical in shape.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/177,900, filed on Jul. 8, 2005, now U.S. Pat.No. 7,069,607 which is a continuation of now issued U.S. Pat. No.6,961,969, which claims the benefit on U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/484,697 filed on Jul. 3, 2003. The present application claimspriority on U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/177,900 and U.S. Pat.No. 6,961,969 under 35 U.S.C. § 120. To the extent permitted, thecontents of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/881,059, U.S. Pat. No.6,961,969 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/484,697 areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Strength and coordination exercises are becoming increasingly morepopular these days. Within health-conscious cultures, sports such asjogging, swimming and bicycling have long been common forms of exercise.More recently, however, those desiring to stay in shape are seekingdifferent, more innovative ways to achieve or maintain a desired levelof physical conditioning and mental health, while at the same timetrying to decrease the incidence of injuries due to high impactexercising.

For example, various forms of yoga have gained greater acceptance withintoday's society. Yoga is known to increase strength and flexibility,while relaxing the mind through focusing on holding certain bodypositions. Consequently, yoga and other similar disciplines can provideparticipants with an increased fitness level and improved state of mind.Typically, cushioned rubber mats are used by those who practice yoga forproviding a soft surface for kneeling, standing, and lying down.However, due to the physical demand of balancing while holding variousposes for extended periods of time, the participants can perspire ontothe mats, causing the mats to become slick, thereby increasing thelikelihood of a slipping injury. Thus, the participant can becomedistracted from proper focus during the practice of yoga. Further, themats are generally relatively non-absorbent, and offer few benefitsother than creating a padded area for use by the yoga participants.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a towel that includes a base layerand a plurality of raised projections that project away from the baselayer. The base layer has a first side and a second side. In oneembodiment, the projections can be discontinuously positioned and caneach be separately secured to one or both of the sides of the baselayer. In one embodiment, the projections have a higher coefficient ofstatic friction than the base layer to inhibit relative movement betweenthe towel and a surface upon which the towel is placed when theprojections are in contact with the surface.

In one embodiment, the base layer is formed from a liquid-absorbingmaterial such as a microfiber fabric material. Further, at least some ofthe projections are formed at least partially from a relativelynon-absorbent latex material. In one embodiment, the projections coverless than approximately 50 percent of one of the sides of the baselayer. Moreover, in one particular embodiment, at least some of theprojections are substantially hemispherical in shape.

The present invention also includes a method for manufacturing a towel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself,both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood fromthe accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdescription, in which similar reference characters refer to similarparts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a towel havingfeatures of the present invention, shown in a first configuration;

FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of a portion of another embodiment of thetowel having features of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a projection;

FIG. 3B is a side view of the projection illustrated in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a projection;

FIG. 4B is a side view of the projection illustrated in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a projection;

FIG. 5B is a side view of the projection illustrated in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a projection;

FIG. 6B is a side view of the projection illustrated in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a towel havingfeatures of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a towel havingfeatures of the present invention, shown in a second configuration.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a towel 10 in a first, unrolledconfiguration. In this embodiment, the towel 10 includes a base layer 12and a plurality of raised projections 14 that project away from the baselayer 12 as described herein. The base layer 12 illustrated in FIG. 1has a first side 16 and a second side 18. In this embodiment, theprojections 14 are secured to the first side 16. It is recognized,however, that either side 16, 18 can be the first side 16 or the secondside 18. For example, the projections 14 can be secured to the secondside 18 of the base layer 12. The towel 10 also includes a perimeteredge 19 that can be bound by any generally acceptable manner known tothose skilled in the art.

FIG. 1 includes an orientation system that illustrates an X-axis, aY-axis that is orthogonal to the X-axis and a Z-axis that is orthogonalto the X- and Y-axes. It should be noted that these axes can also bereferred to as the first, second and third axes, respectively, and thatany of the axes can be the first, second or third axis.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, towel 10 can be placed on topof a surface 20 that may otherwise become slick or slippery whenmoisture is introduced onto the surface 20. As shown in FIG. 1, thesurface 20 can be any suitable type of yoga or other sports mat, such asthose including closed or open-cell foam, for use during yoga or othersporting exercises, as explained in greater detail below. Alternatively,the surface 20 can be any type of flooring material, a table or otherfurniture, the ground, or any other type of supporting surface.

The dimensions of the towel 10 can vary. The towel 10 can be sized to besubstantially similar to the surface 20 upon which the towel 10 isplaced. In one embodiment, the towel 10 can have dimensions ofapproximately 24 inches by 68 inches, which are the approximatedimensions of a standard sized yoga mat 20. However, the towel 10 canhave dimensions larger or smaller than 24 inches by 68 inches. Forexample, in alternative embodiments, the towel 10 can be sized for useas a washcloth, a hand towel, a beach towel, a bath towel, a bath mat, adish towel, a gym or sport towel, a drop cloth, a throw rug, or a babychanging mat, as non-exclusive examples.

Further, although the towel 10 is particularly suited for use as anon-clothing item, the towel 10 can be used in other applications whereabsorbency is beneficial. For instance, the towel 10 can be incorporatedinto and/or manufactured for use as clothing, such as a bathrobe, ashirt, pants, a hat, a scarf, socks, or any other suitable clothing ornon-clothing item. With this design, any moisture such as perspiration,precipitation or incidental moisture can be absorbed by the towel 10 asnecessary.

The base layer 12 can be formed from relatively absorbent materials thatcan vary depending upon the design requirements of the towel 10. Forinstance, the base layer 12 can include any suitably absorbent naturalfibers or fabrics, such as cotton, silk, wool, hemp, etc., and/orsynthetic materials such as acrylics, polyester microfiber, nylon and/orrayon, as non-exclusive examples.

Further, the base layer 12 can have a wide range of thicknesses, weightsand/or densities depending upon the absorbency and/or specific usagerequirements of the towel 10. The base layer 12 can also includedifferent colored materials and/or different colored patterns, imagesand the like.

For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the second side 18of the base layer 12 includes a focal region 22 having a color that isdifferent than substantially the remainder of the base layer 12. Withthis design, an individual performing yoga, martial arts or othersporting activities can focus his or her attention on the focal region22 to assist with concentration and/or focus during participation insuch exercises. The focal region 22 can be formed from the same materialused to form the remainder of the base layer 12, or the focal region 22can be formed from a different material. In the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 1, the focal region 22 is somewhat disc-shaped and is sizedsmall enough to allow the user to focus on the focal region 22 withoutsubstantial movement of the user's eyes during exercise. For example,the focal region 22 can be between approximately 1.0 centimeter and 6.0centimeters in diameter. However, the size of the focal region 22 can beoutside this range. In alternative embodiments, the focal region 22 canhave any other suitable configuration, i.e. rectangular, triangular,linear, oval or another appropriate geometry.

The material(s) used for the projections 14 can be varied. For example,the projections 14 can be formed from a substantially non-absorbentmaterial such as various forms of plastic (e.g., latex), rubber, epoxy,or any other suitable material, as non-exclusive examples. The materialused to form the projections 14 can have a relatively high coefficientof static friction. In one embodiment, the material used to form theprojections 14 can have a coefficient of static friction that is greaterthan a coefficient of static friction of the base layer 12. With thisdesign, the relatively high static friction of the projections 14decrease the likelihood that the towel 10 will slip, slide or otherwisemove relative to the surface 20 upon which the towel 10 is positioned.Stated another way, the projections 14 provide greater traction betweenthe towel 10 and the surface 20.

The positioning, shape and size of the projections 14 can vary. In oneembodiment, the projections 14 are positioned in a pattern. For example,in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the projections 14 arepositioned in a grid-like arrangement on the base layer 12. In thisembodiment, the projections 14 are positioned in a plurality ofsubstantially similar rows, each with a relatively consistent spacingbetween rows and between individual projections 14. Alternatively, theprojections 14 can be positioned in a substantially random manner on thebase layer 12.

Further, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, each projection 14 isseparately secured to the first side 16 of the base layer 12 in anintermittent, unconnected and/or discontinuous manner. In oneembodiment, the projections 14 can be secured to the base layer 12 byusing a heat treatment method, which can include melting the projections14 into position on the base layer 12. Examples of alternative methodsthat can be used to secure the projections 14 to the base layer 12include chemical bonding, adhesive, or any other suitable means,although these methods are not intended to be limiting in any manner.

Because of the spacing between adjacent projections 14, the base layer12 can more readily absorb moisture from the surface 20 and/or the user,with reduced or no interference by the projections 14. Stated anotherway, any inhibition of moisture absorption caused by the projections 14is reduced or eliminated because a substantially portion of the firstside of the base layer 12 is still exposed, notwithstanding the quantityof projections 14 secured to the base layer 12. For example, in oneembodiment, the projections 14 are sized, shaped and positioned to coverless than approximately 20% of the total area of the base layer 12. Inalternative embodiments, the projections 14 are sized, shaped andpositioned to cover less than approximately 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 75% or90% of the total area of the base layer 12.

In still an alternative embodiment, two or more of the projections 14can be continuous, e.g. secured together on the base layer 12 to formlines, curves or other patterns on the base layer 12. Moreover, in oneembodiment, each of the projections 14 can be symmetrical relative totwo or more axes. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1,the projections 14 are symmetrical relative to three axes: the X-axis,the Y-axis and the Z-axis. In another embodiment, the projections 14 aresymmetrical relative to two different axes, such as the X-axis and theY-axis, although the particular axes about which the projections 14 aresymmetrical can vary. With these designs, the manufacturing process isfacilitated and the tactile stimulus of the user is enhanced, as setforth in greater detail below.

The spacing between the projections 14 can vary. In one embodiment, thespacing of the projections 14 can be approximately one-quarter inch oncenter. However, the spacing between the projections 14 can be greateror less than one-quarter inch on center to achieve the desired level ofinhibition of movement between the projections 14 (and thus the baselayer 12) and the surface 20. Additionally, because the projections 14can be positioned relatively close to one another while not undulyinhibiting moisture absorption by the base layer 12, there is lesschance for the base layer 12 to move, e.g., between the projections 14,relative to the surface 20. Consequently, injuries caused by slippage ofthe towel 10 relative to the surface 20 are reduced.

Further, the distance that each of the projections 14 projects orextends away from the base layer 12 can vary. For instance, in oneembodiment, the projections 14 can project at least approximately 0.1millimeters away from the first side 16 of the base layer 12. Inalternative embodiments, the projections 14 can project at leastapproximately 0.2 millimeters, 0.3 millimeters, 0.5 millimeters, 0.75millimeters, 1.0 millimeters, 1.5 millimeters, 2.0 millimeters, 3.0millimeters or 5.0 millimeters away from the first side 16 of the baselayer 12.

In alternative embodiments, the projections 14 can project within therange of (i) greater than 0.1 millimeters and less than 5.0 millimeters,(ii) greater than 0.2 millimeters and less than 2.0 millimeters, or(iii) greater than 0.5 millimeters and less than 1.0 millimeter awayfrom the first side 16 of the base layer 12. Still alternatively, theprojections 14 can project less than or greater than the foregoingdistances and ranges away from the first side 16 of the base layer 12.Moreover, depending upon the spacing of the projections 14, the heightof the projections 14, and/or the thickness and/or weight of the baselayer 12, a user can receive various tactile sensations when in staticor dynamic contact with the towel 10, including force on certainpressure points of the user's body or a massage of the musculature ofthe user, as non-exclusive examples. With the foregoing designs, theuser can receive the requisite level of tactile stimulus during usage ofthe towel 10.

FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of an alternative embodiment of the towel210. In this embodiment, the projections 214 are positioned in arepeated, somewhat diamond-shaped pattern on the base layer 212 so thatthe rows are somewhat staggered from those illustrated in FIG. 1. Stillalternatively, the projections 214 can be separately positioned to formconcentric circles, triangles, or any other suitable geometric patterns.

FIGS. 3A–6B show various representative shapes of several embodiments ofthe projections 14. The embodiments depicted in FIGS. 3A–6B are providedfor convenience of discussion only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the present invention in any manner. The shape of theprojections 14 can vary depending upon the level of tactile stimulusdesired by the user in contact with the towel 10, and/or the extent towhich a higher level of friction is necessary or desired between theprojections 14 and the surface 20.

FIG. 3A is a top view of one embodiment of the shape of a projection314. In this embodiment, the projection 314 has a round or circularfootprint. FIG. 3B is a side view of the projection 314 illustrated inFIG. 3A. FIG. 3B shows that the projection 314 can have a substantiallydome or hemispherical shape.

FIG. 4A is a top view of one embodiment of the shape of a projection414. In this embodiment, the projection 414 has a rectangular footprint.FIG. 4B is a side view of the projection 414 illustrated in FIG. 4A.FIG. 4B shows that the projections 414 have a substantiallyfrusto-pyramidal shape.

FIG. 5A is a top view of one embodiment of the shape of a projection514. In this embodiment, the projection 514 has a round or circularfootprint. FIG. 4B is a side view of the projection 514 illustrated inFIG. 5A. FIG. 5B shows that the projection 514 can have a substantiallycylindrical, planar or flat shape.

FIG. 6A is a top view of one embodiment of the shape of a projection614. In this embodiment, the projection 614 has a round or circularfootprint. FIG. 6B is a side view of the projection 614 illustrated inFIG. 6A. FIG. 6B shows that the projection 614 can have a substantiallyfrusto-conical shape.

FIG. 7 is an alternative embodiment of a towel 710. In this embodiment,the towel 710 includes a plurality of first projections 714A on each ofthe first side 716 of the base layer 712, and a plurality of secondprojections 714B the second side 718 of the base layer 712. With thisdesign, the towel 710 can be used with either side 716, 718 facingdownward (toward a surface 720) or upward (away from the surface 720).Further, the user can feel an increase in the tactile stimulationdepending upon the quantity, shape, size and positioning of theprojections 714A, 714B secured to the base layer 712 of the towel 710.The projections 714A, 714B can be substantially the same shape, size andpositioning on both sides 716, 718, or the shape, size and positioningcan differ from the first side 716 to the second side 718.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the towel 810 in a second, rolled-upconfiguration. In this embodiment, the towel 810 can be substantiallysimilar to those previously described. However, the towel 810 can alsoinclude a strap 824 that is removably or fixedly attached to the baselayer 812. The strap 824 can be attached to the base layer 812 by anysuitable means, including loop and pile, hook and loop, snaps, etc.Alternatively, the strap 824 can be tied around the base layer 812 tomaintain the towel 810 in the rolled-up configuration. The strap 824 caninclude a handle 826 for more easily carrying or otherwise transportingthe towel 810 between locations. Further, the strap 824 can be used formaintaining the towel 810 in the second, rolled up configuration (asillustrated in FIG. 8), e.g. for storage, until the towel 810 is readyfor use.

While the particular towel 10 as herein shown and disclosed in detail isfully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantagesherein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merelyillustrative of some of the presently preferred embodiments of theinvention and that no limitations are intended to the details ofconstruction or design herein shown other than as described in theappended claims.

1. A towel for use on a surface, the towel comprising: a base layerhaving (i) a first side that is at least partially formed from aliquid-absorbing material, and (ii) a second side that is substantiallyopposite the first side and at least partially formed from a liquidabsorbing material, the second side being at least partially exposed;and a plurality of raised projections that are each separately securedto the first side, the projections having a higher coefficient of staticfriction than the base layer so that the projections inhibit relativemovement between the towel and the surface when the projections are incontact with the surface.
 2. The towel of claim 1 wherein theprojections are formed from a material that is substantially liquidimpermeable.
 3. The towel of claim 1 wherein at least one of theprojections is formed from a material selected from the group consistingof plastic, rubber and epoxy.
 4. The towel of claim 1 wherein theprojections are positioned on at least a portion of the first side sothat the projections have a density of at least one projection persquare inch.
 5. The towel of claim 1 wherein at least one of theprojections projects at least approximately 0.1 millimeters away fromthe first side of the base layer.
 6. The towel of claim 1 wherein theprojections cover less than approximately 90% of the first side of thebase layer.
 7. The towel of claim 1 wherein at least two of theprojections are positioned at least approximately one-quarter inch oncenter from one another.
 8. The towel of claim 1 wherein at least two ofthe projections are positioned less than approximately one-quarter inchon center from one another.
 9. The towel of claim 1 wherein the baselayer is at least partially formed from a microfiber material.
 10. Atowel for use on a surface, the towel comprising: a base layer having(i) a first side that is at least partially formed from aliquid-permeable material, and (ii) a second side that is substantiallyopposite the first side and at least partially formed from aliquid-permeable material, the second side being at least partiallyexposed; and a plurality of first projections that are each separatelysecured to the first side, the first projections being formed at leastpartially from a material that is substantially liquid impermeable, thefirst projections having a higher coefficient of static frictionrelative to the surface than the base layer.
 11. The towel of claim 10wherein at least one of the projections is formed from a materialselected from the group consisting of plastic, rubber and epoxy.
 12. Thetowel of claim 10 wherein the projections are positioned on at least aportion of the first side so that the projections have a density of atleast one projection per square inch.
 13. The towel of claim 10 whereinat least one of the projections projects at least approximately 0.1millimeters away from the first side of the base layer.
 14. The towel ofclaim 10 wherein the projections cover less than approximately 90% ofthe first side of the base layer.
 15. The towel of claim 10 wherein atleast two of the projections are positioned at least approximatelyone-quarter inch on center from one another.
 16. The towel of claim 10wherein at least two of the projections are positioned less thanapproximately one-quarter inch on center from one another.
 17. A methodfor manufacturing a towel, comprising the step of: separately securing aplurality of substantially liquid impermeable projections to asubstantially liquid-permeable first side of a base layer having anopposing second side that is at least partially exposed, the second sidebeing at least partially liquid-permeable, the projections having acoefficient of static friction that is greater than a coefficient ofstatic friction of at least a portion of the first side of the baselayer relative to a surface.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the stepincludes covering less than approximately 90 percent of the first sideof the base layer with the plurality of projections.
 19. The method ofclaim 17 wherein the step includes positioning the projections toproject at least approximately 0.1 millimeters away from the first sideof the base layer.
 20. The method of claim 17 wherein the step includessecuring the plurality of the projections to the first side using a heattreatment.